Concise Writing

Think subject-verb-object for most of your sentences

The best way to make your sentences tighter and easier to understand is to simplify them. That is, write mostly simple sentences.… Read the full article

How long should a sentence be?

Short sentences are easier to understand than long sentences

Add a word to your sentence, and you’ll reduce comprehension. Add another once, reduce it even further.… Read the full article

Build drama, create rhythm and more

Short sentences are best. But make every sentence simple and short, and your copy will read like “See Dick run” primers.… Read the full article

Optimal length for a blog post, Facebook post, email newsletter …

Measure A.R.T., or average reading time

Writers measure copy in words, inches or pages. Readers use a different measure: time.

So instead of using writer-centric measures, think like your reader.… Read the full article

Information multitasking & continuous partial attention disorder

Americans consume 15.5 hours of media a day — outside work

When was the last time you found yourself text messaging while checking email, watching TV and talking on the phone?… Read the full article

How to overcome information overload in communication

Hint: Cutting copy is not the solution

It’s the communicator’s biggest problem: How do you get audience members to pay attention to, understand and remember your messages when they’re burdened with so much information?… Read the full article